College of the Desert Foundation

10/15/2026

Tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities are available now for the 2027 Stepping Out for COD Citizens of Distinction Gala, presented by Jessica and Jim Greene and The Greene Family Foundation! ✨

Join us on Friday, January 22, 2027, at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage for an unforgettable evening featuring cocktails, dinner, live music, dancing, a live auction, awards, and much more. Help support the College of the Desert Foundation Fund for Student Success, providing scholarships and vital resources that help College of the Desert students achieve their goals. ❤️💛🎓

🎟️ Tickets and tables are available by calling 760-773-2561.
🤝 For sponsorships and underwriting opportunities, contact Eddie Hernandez at [email protected] or 760-773-2538.

You can also become a sponsor or purchase tickets by using the link below.

codfoundation.org/stepping-out/

10/14/2026

Life is sweet at College of the Desert! 🍰🍪🧁

This National Dessert Day, we’re celebrating the talented Culinary Arts students who are mixing creativity, skill and a whole lot of passion into every delicious creation. From mastering the basics to creating show-stopping desserts, students are gaining hands-on experience that prepares them to turn their love of food into rewarding careers in the culinary and hospitality industries.

Here’s to the students, instructors, and future culinary professionals who are cooking up brighter futures. ❤️💛

Support programs like Culinary Arts and help create opportunities for College of the Desert students by using the link below.

codfoundation.org/ways-to-give/

10/12/2026

Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day we honor the histories, cultures, traditions, and enduring contributions of Indigenous people and communities. At the College of the Desert Foundation, we recognize the generations of Indigenous people who have shaped our region and continue to enrich the Coachella Valley through their knowledge, leadership, culture, and community.

10/06/2026

Know a deserving COD alumnus?

There’s still time to nominate an outstanding Roadrunner for the College of the Desert Alumni Hall of Fame! ❤️💛🎓 Help us recognize College of the Desert alumni whose achievements, leadership, and contributions have made a lasting impact on their professions and communities.

Submit your nomination today!

🏆 Award recipient will be celebrated at the Stepping Out: Citizens of Distinction Gala on January 22, 2027.

📅 Nominations are due by October 15, 2026.
📄 Nomination form is available at https://form.jotform.com/251884157699072

10/05/2026

It’s World Teachers’ Day, a day we celebrate the educators who inspire, encourage, and empower students every day. ❤️💛🎓

At the College of the Desert Foundation, we are grateful for the dedicated faculty at College of the Desert who share their knowledge, experience, and passion to help students discover their potential and achieve their goals. Their impact reaches far beyond the classroom, helping students build confidence, pursue meaningful careers, and create brighter futures for themselves, their families, and our community.

To all the educators who make a difference in the lives of students, thank you for all you do!

10/01/2026

This Thank You Thursday, we’re shining a light on someone who embodies what it means to lead with purpose: Shari Stewart, College of the Desert Foundation Board Member and Chair of our Advancement & Stewardship Committee. ❤️💛

Shari is someone we can always count on for advice, perspective, encouragement, and help finding the right way forward. What makes her leadership especially meaningful is the heart behind every decision. She consistently keeps our students at the center, asking how we can create greater opportunities, remove barriers, and make a lasting difference in their lives.

Shari leads not only through her words, but through her actions. She gives her time, shares her wisdom, asks thoughtful questions, and leads by example.

Shari, thank you for your unwavering commitment to College of the Desert, for believing in our students, and for being someone we can always turn to. We are deeply grateful for your leadership, your generosity, and the example you set for all of us.

Thank you, Shari! ❤️💛

09/29/2026

You’re invited to the inaugural Legacy Salon Series hosted by the College of the Desert Foundation.

Join us for expert conversations on Estate Planning, Family Legacy, and Meaningful Giving, a thoughtful and engaging discussion featuring respected professionals who will share practical strategies and insights on topics that affect every family.

📅 Monday, October 19, 2026
🕙 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
📍 College of the Desert, Palm Desert Campus

Whether you’re actively planning your estate or simply curious about your options, this is an opportunity to ask questions, connect with trusted experts, and explore ways to preserve what matters most and create a lasting legacy.

Seats are limited. RSVP by October 16!

Reserve your space by using the link below.
form.jotform.com/262507632887164

09/25/2026

Today, we honor California Native American Day and the rich histories, cultures, traditions and contributions of California’s Native American communities, especially those here in the Coachella Valley. At the College of the Desert Foundation, we recognize the generations of Native people who have shaped our region and celebrate the Native American students, faculty and families who continue to enrich the community we call home.

09/24/2026

Welcome, Coach EB! We’re proud to celebrate this exciting new chapter for Roadrunner Women’s Basketball. ❤️💛🏀

🏀 NEW HEAD COACH ALERT 🏀

College of the Desert Athletics is proud to welcome Elliott "Coach EB" Berry as the new head coach of Roadrunners Women's Basketball! 🎉

A UC Riverside grad and Director of Level Up Hoops Academy in Indio, Coach Berry brings deep Coachella Valley roots and a passion for developing student-athletes on and off the court.

"We're building a family-oriented program where young women can grow, compete and be proud to represent their community." — Coach Berry

Welcome to the family, Coach EB! ❤️💛

🔗 Complete official press release linked HERE: https://desert.prestosports.com/sports/wbkb/2026-27/releases/20260924ipex4h

Roadrunners begin conference play ⤵️
🗓️ December 19
⚔️ vs. San Bernardino Valley
⏰ 1:00 PM
📍 Garrow Athletic Quad | Palm Desert

09/22/2026

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the people, cultures and stories that enrich our campus and our community.

The College of the Desert Foundation is proud to recognize the Hispanic and Latino students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members whose talents, traditions and achievements help make College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley such a vibrant place to learn, grow and thrive. As we honor the generations who have made an impact before us, we also celebrate the students who are building bright futures and creating opportunities for generations to come.

¡Celebremos juntos! 🌟